Dissertation Research: Rhizosheath Formation and Hydraulic Lift in Indian Ricegrass: Rhizosphere Composition and Nitrogen Fixation

本研究将评估根鞘形成过程中的固氮作用， 非根鞘形成植物。 第一次 的 氮（N）根鞘形成植物的数量， 无论是大气或土壤源将量化15 N同位素 稀释法 根鞘根在水力提升中的作用将 也要衡量。 根鞘土壤可作为深 土壤水分供应（水力提升）或根鞘根可 作为水分流失的屏障，这可能会产生直接影响 根鞘内的微生物活动，并可以显着 改变N固定。 研究将确定液压升降机是否 从深层根系到根鞘土壤的水分储备 以及水力提升是否刺激微生物数量和N- 根鞘固定

This study will assess N-fixation in rhizosheath forming and non-rhizosheath forming plants. For the first time. The quantity of nitrogen (N) rhizosheath forming plants obtain from either atmospheric or soil sources will be quantified 15N isotope dilution methods. The function of rhizosheath roots in hydraulic lift will also be measured. Rhizosheath soil may act as sinks for deep soil moisture supplies (hydraulic lift) or rhizosheath roots may act as barriers to moisture loss, which can have a direct effect on microbial activity within rhizosheaths and can significantly alter N-fixation. Research will determine whether hydraulic lift of moisture reserves from deep roots to rhizosheath soil occurs and whether hydraulic lift stimulates microbial numbers and N- fixation in rhizosheaths.